After months of speculation and several delays, the monthly payment Annual Passport program officially began last Monday, December 11. Originally reported in September by MousePlanet's Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix (link), the program allows guests to pay for Annual Passports on a monthly basis with no interest or finance charges. A down payment equal to a one-day one-park admission ($69) is required, and the balance is paid off in equal installments over the next twelve months. The program (for all four AP levels) is advertised as only being available to Southern California residents; however, we spoke by phone to a Resort ticket agent who advised us that Northern Californians can use the monthly payment program for Deluxe or Premium Passports, though a supervisor's approval may be needed at the ticket booth. These passports must be purchased in person at Resort ticket booths and are not presently available on Disneyland.com (link). MousePad members are actively discussing the program in our Disneyland Resort forum, and you can join the discussion here (link).

The Disneyland Resort now offers a monthly-payment plan for Annual Passports. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

According to the Disney Dine Line, all Disneyland Resort restaurants will operate under normal hours with their regular menus on New Years Eve. The only exception of which the Dine Line representative was aware is Catal, in Downtown Disney, which will offer the following special menu at $75/person:

The Jonas Brothers (Nick, Kevin and Joe) filmed their live segment for the annual Disney Christmas Parade last Tuesday. During their visit to Disneyland, the Brothers met up with another set of Disney brothers--Donald's nephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, reports celebrity news site EntertainmentWise (link). The Disney Christmas Parade will air on Christmas Day, December 25, on local ABC affiliates nationwide.

Last week's MousePlanet Mailbag (link) featured a lengthy submission from a MousePlanet reader about her disappointing experience at the recent Jonas Brothers meet-and-greet event.

Bloomberg News reports (via the Chicago Daily Herald (link)) that Disney has settled a lawsuit filed by three residents of Illinois and Iowa after they were prevented from using Segway self-balancng personal transportation vehicles during visits to Walt Disney World. Disney's policy is that no two-wheeled vehicles are permitted in guest areas, no matter the type, and that Disney provides Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) for rent by guests who need motorized transportation around the parks. The suit alleged that Disney's policy against Segways and other two-wheeled vehicles violates the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) since these vehicles are sometimes used by people with mobility impairments. Disney denied the allegations but settled the suit, with lawyers from both sides saying a settlement is preferable to the cost of continued legal action. While the suit was filed by guests after Walt Disney World visits, Disney's settlement affects their policy at all American theme parks. Beginning next April, Disney will offer new four-wheeled Electric Standing Vehicles (ESVs) at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. These new vehicles will have roughly the same dimensions as the existing ECVs but allow users to stand while operating them. You can read the entire settlement agreement here (link) thanks to On Point Media, and discuss it with other MousePlanet readers on MousePad (link).

...Terry Gilliam, movie director and member of Monty Python's Flying Circus, spoke about his childhood experiences at Disneyland in a video (link) recently released on the new official Monty Python Channel on YouTube (link).

...We received a press release from Hilton Hotels & Resorts concerning renovations to the Anaheim Hilton (link). From the release: "Adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center and steps away from Disneyland Resort, this hotel spent over $27.5 million in 2008 to renovate its guestrooms, as well as their presidential suites. This investment also affected the property’s public spaces, including the executive level lounge, lobby, restaurants, bar, front desk, and fitness center and food court. These changes complimented the initial phase of guest room revitalization, as well as the ballroom and meeting space refurbishments that were completed in 2007. In 2009 the hotel plans to spend an additional $3 million on further property upgrades."

...The Almaden Times, a weekly newspaper serving the Almaden Valley area of San Jose, California, reports that Disneyland's Princess Aurora headlined the annual San Jose Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 7. (link)

...Visitors planning trips to the Disneyland Resort should make a point to check the Current Refurbishment/Attraction Closures section each week for the most recent updates. There were no changes to the schedule this week because the Disneyland Resort recently removed all park operating hours and refurbishment schedules for 2009 from the official Web site. The information below is what was current as of the time that Disneyland pulled this info from their site, but it may no longer be accurate. We'll post revised information in a future Park Update as we receive it. Be sure to check the most recent Park Update for the latest changes, as MousePlanet does not edit past Park Updates to reflect changes.

If you know of any events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, let us know.

December 2008

Holiday season at the Disneyland Resort – Friday, November 21 to Sunday, January 4, 2009. "A Christmas Fantasy" Parade and the "Believe...In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular will be performed daily.

Several current promotions offer discounted admission to the Disneyland Resort. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the number of days the tickets are valid. Check out the category that best matches the amount of time you plan to spend at the resort, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!

This first section is a list of discounts on ticket-only purchases. Though it has become more common in recent years, Disneyland tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Southern California or Northern Mexico. For residents outside that area, the best discounts available tend to be simple advance purchase discounts.

This information is pulled from many sources but much thanks go to MouseSavers.com for providing the bulk of the information. If you know of any additional discounts, offers, promotions, or contests that should be listed in this section, drop us a line (link).

One Day, One Park Regularly $69/$59

One Day Park Hopper Regularly $94/$84

Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper – Disney is not currently offering a discounted Southern California 1-Day Park Hopper at the Web site. Vons Supermarkets may be selling these tickets, but call ahead to confirm. Proof of residency will be required when redeeming them at Disneyland (Vons will happily sell you the ticket voucher regardless of where you are from but you still need to be an appropriate resident to use it. If you do see these available anywhere, e-mail us to let us know.)

Two Day Park Hopper Regularly $143/$123

AOCVCB 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($141/$121) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $2 off the box-office price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $1 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths (link).

Three Day Park Hopper Regularly $199/$169

Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value)

Advance Purchase 3-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($179/$149) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive.

AOCVCB 3-Day Bonus Ticket ($174/$144) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price! 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($149) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link).

"Disneyland Resort Resident 3-Day Celebration Pass" ($94 - $99) Available through selected employers, school or credit unions that offer discounted admission tickets to Southern California attractions. This three-day Park Hopper ticket expires 45 days after first use, and first use must occur by December 18, 2008. This ticket is blocked out December 19 - 31, 2008.

Four Day Park Hopper Regularly $224/$194

Advance Purchase 4-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($194/$164) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value).

Advance Purchase 4-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($194/$164) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive.

AOCVCB 4-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price! 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($154) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link).

Costco Disneyland Resort Play 4 Days Exchange Certificate – Available through the Costco Web site (link), this $139 ticket (for ages 3 through adult) is good for four one-day admissions to Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure. The tickets are non-transferable—the same person must use all four admissions. The ticket expires once the four admissions are used, or on July 31, 2009, whichever comes first. This is not a park-hopper pass, although you could probably use one admission per day at each park, in effect using the four admissions as a two-day park-hopper. The tickets are available only to Costco members who are residents of Southern California. Tickets must be purchased at Costco, with a limit of eight tickets per member per day. It is important to note that the item you purchase at Costco is an "Exchange Certificate," not a valid park passport. Members must exchange the certificate at the Disneyland Resort Ticket booth to receive the Play 4 Days ticket. Proof of California residency in zip codes 90000 through 93599 is required to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket.

Five Day Park Hopper Regularly $244/$214

Advance Purchase 5-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($204/$174) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value).

Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($204/$174) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive.

AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($199/$169) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Advance Purchase 2009 Everyone Plays for the Kids' Price! 5-Day Park Hopper Ticket ($164) – This promotion is valid January 6 through April 30, 2009, and includes one one Magic Morning admission. Currently available for purchase through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link).

Six Day Park Hopper Regularly $249/$219

Advance Purchase 6-Day Park Hopper Bonus tickets ($209/$179) – A discounted price for advance purchase through the Internet or select dealers. Available at the Disneyland Web site (link) where shipping is included if you order more than 10 days prior to your travel date. Also available from AAA offices in Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (not currently listed at the AAA Web site, you may need to call your local office). Disney Stores (California), Safeway supermarkets (California and Arizona), and certain travel agents may also sell these tickets. It is best to call and confirm before visiting a location, however. "Bonus Tickets" include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday). If purchased from AAA, the tickets come with free parking at the Mickey & Friends parking garage (an $11/day value).

Advance Purchase 5-day Park Hopper Bonus Ticket ($209/$179) – available through the Disneyland Web site (link). You can print these tickets at home, though the tickets from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (see below) are slightly less expensive.

AOCVCB 5-Day Bonus Ticket ($189/$159) – The discount (from the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau) is $5 off the advance purchase price for both adults and children. You can now print these tickets at home, though a $1 per-ticket convenience fee applies. If the $4 per ticket net savings isn't enough of an incentive to pre-purchase your tickets, think of all the time you'll save by not having to stand in line at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Tickets include one early admission day (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday) (link).

Deluxe Annual Passport
Regulary $269

Costco $50 bonus gift card offer – Costco members can receive a $50 Disneyland gift card when they purchase a Deluxe Disneyland Resort annual passport for $269 at a participating Costco location. The offer should be available at all Southern California Costco stores that currently sell Disneyland admission, but the vouchers may not have arrived in all locations yet. [A list of the 37 Costco locations within 50 miles of the Disneyland Resort is available on our MousePad discussion board (link), and we have noted which locations are confirmed to have these tickets available. If you are a Costco member and live near one of the stores that is not confirmed, please check the next time you're there and then let us know so we can update the list.]

There are no residency restrictions on this ticket, and it can be upgraded to a Deluxe with parking or Premium passport. Better still, the $50 gift card can be applied towards the cost of the upgrades, which nearly pays for the $59 parking option or drops the net cost of a Premium Annual Passport to just $339.

Save $30 on a Deluxe Disneyland Resort Annual Passport – If you can't take advantage of the Costco offer listed above, you can still receive a $30 discount on a Deluxe Disneyland Annual Passport by purchasing your pass online. The offer is valid only on new purchases, and does not apply to renewals. The offer expires 12/31/08. These tickets must be purchased using a special Web site: disneyland.com/deluxeoffer.

2008 Southern California CityPass
$247/$199

2008 Southern California CityPass ($247/$199) – This pass includes a 3-Day Disneyland Resort park ticket (including one early-entry day), and single-day admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park, as well as SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood. The CityPass expires 14 days after first use at any location. Purchase CityPass through the Disneyland Web site (link) or onsite at the ticket booths of Disneyland Resort or the other theme parks included in the pass. You can also purchase directly from the CityPass Web site (link) though this has a minimum $7.50 shipping charge (no shipping charge from the Disney Web site if purchased more than 10 days in advance).

You can also purchase the Southern California City Pass online from Costco at a cost of $217/$174 (link), 5% surcharge if not a Costco member, and shipping fees apply. Booklets may be available for sale in some stores but varies widely. If you want to buy in person it would be best to call ahead and confirm availability. If you do buy at a Costco, you will initially purchase a large plastic container that you must trade for ticket books prior to leaving Costco!

Note: The 2008 Southern California CityPass is valid for use if the first day of your visit is January 5, 2009 or earlier. If you are planning to start your visit on January 6th or later you will need to purchase the 2009 City Pass.

2009 Southern California CityPass
$259/$219

2009 Southern California CityPass ($259/$219) – The 2009 CityPass offers the same admission tickets and benefits as listed above, at a slightly higher price. The 2009 CityPass is currently available through the Anaheim-Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau Web site (link). The 2009 CityPass will be available through the CityPass Web site starting November 1, 2008 and from theme park box offices starting January 6, 2009.

Hotel / Travel Packages

Costco Travel Packages – Many different travel packages including visits to Disneyland and Disneyland hotels are available through Costco.com. When purchasing a Costco Disneyland travel package, extras that will be included are: Mickey's Toontown Madness admission (currently available Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays), a character breakfast per person, a $20 Disneyland Resort gift card, a collectible pin and lanyard, and a Costco luggage tag.

Disney's Resort Magic and Good Neighbor Magic Packages – Package includes accomodations one of the three resort hotels or at one of 40 Good Neighbor hotels; Souvenir Park Hopper ticket with voucher for admission to Mickey's Toontown Morning Madness, plus one Magic Morning (early entry) for three-day or longer Park Hoppers; preferred seating at four DCA attractions (Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular, Muppet*Vision 3D, It's Tough to be a Bug!, Golden Dreams); Preferred Showing of Turtle Talk with Crush (Priority Viewing at the first Turtle Talk with Crush show of the day, on any one day - one voucher per Guest); Disney Dream coin keepsake (one per package), luggage tag and lanyard with pin; a Downtown Disney Fun Card; and a "Character Call" from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy or Crush. Contact Disney Travel or your favorite travel agent.

Alaska Airlines "Kids Fly Free to the Disneyland Resort" promotion – Valid for travel between January 7, 2009, and June 17, 2009 when you also book your hotel through the airline. Significant restrictions apply to the promotion, including blockout dates. This offer can be a good deal for some families, but make sure that you compare the total quoted package price against the same elements if purchased a la carte. You may be able to take advantage of other published airfare specials and hotel discounts to create a less expensive vacation package. Unfortunately the Alaska Airlines Web site can be sluggish, making comparison shopping time consuming, but you should definitely do your homework before you buy.

Other Discounts

Disney Visa Free-Stroller Rental – If you have a Disney Visa card you can rent up to two strollers for free at either Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure. This offer is valid only at the Main Gate rental locations at each park.

Rainforest Cafe Safari Club – Membership in the Rainforest Cafe gets you a 10% discount on entrees for up to four people. It also gets you priority seating if available, which can make a huge difference on busy days. Additionally, after signing up, your membership card will be mailed to you and be accompanied by a $10 award good for your next visit to a Rainforest Cafe. So if you know you will be eating there while at Disneyland and have a Rainforest Cafe local to you, it may make sense to prejoin the Safari Club so that you can use the award during your trip. See the Rainforest Cafe Web site for details (link).

ESPNZone MVP Club – Membership in the MVP Club does not offer any discounts on food. However, once a member you can make an online reservation for your party up to three days in advance and will get a 25% increase in points purchased when playing games in the Sports Arena (and 40 bonus points at activation). You must register online and your membership card will then be mailed to you within two weeks. The card must then be activated at any ESPNZone by the person who signed up for the card and ID will be required (link)

Downtown Disney Patina Restuarant Discounts – Three Downtown Disney restaurants operated by the Patina Group are currently offering lunch and/or dinner specials. Check at the restaurant for menu and price details.

Visit our Annual Passholders Blockout Dates page to see more dates. You can see future calendar schedules at Disneyland. As always, specifics are subject to change without notice (or occasionally, without us noticing) so when information conflicts between what is presented here and that presented by Disney, it is best to assume Disney's information is correct.

MousePlanet® is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates. The official Disney site is available at www.disney.com. This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary, editorials, reviews, and guides primarily about the theme park resorts of the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change. Please call destinations in advance to confirm the most up-to-date information.